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File Setup for Catalogs & Booklets: [back to top]

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Image Resolution
CMYK
Accepted File Formats
Cut Margin
Text Margin
Naming Convention
Catalog size and Orientation
Multi-Page Document
Available Catalog Templates
Bleeds
Typographical Errors
Matte Stock Turnaround
Vector Applications
CMYK Values for Rich Black Tones
Proofs

Steps to receive Web Price:

• Image Resolution:
All files need to be at least 300 dpi in resolution or more. Resampling low resolution files to 300 dpi will not print any better.
• CMYK:
All files should be converted to CMYK. If files are submitted in RGB we can not be responsible for any color shift.
• Accepted File Formats:
Files must be either a JPG, TIFF, EPS, flattened PSD, or PDF. If your files are a vector format or PDF please include a .jpg proof for the front and back or request an email proof. If files can not be flattened, you must create outlines for your fonts. Please refer to FAQ for more information on this.

A Special Note about PDFs
PDFs are a great file format for portability and home print use, however we prefer not to have PDF files due to issues occasionally associated with them. If you are submitting PDF files we strongly recommend flattening all layers or request an email proof when you add the item to your shopping cart. If you don't request an email proof then submitting a low-resolution jpg of what your document should look like will suffice. Email proofs cost nothing but may effect turnaround. We have experienced issues with PDFs corrupting elements when it's not flattened so if you submit PDF files and do not request an email proof or flatten your files we can not be held liable for any undesirable results.
• Cut Margin:
Text or graphics that you do not want purposely cut off must be 1/8” from the edge of your flyer if it is not set up with a bleed. We will contact you if your text or graphics are not safe; however, this will disqualify you from receiving the 5% discount and may affect your turnaround time.
• Text Margins:
All text/graphics should be placed at least 1/8" from the bleed cut line unless the placement is intentional.
• Naming Convention:
File names must follow this naming convention: order number_size_1 or 2. For instance, if your order number is 7800-0 and its size is 4.25x6, then you would name your files 7800-0_4.25x6_1.pdf and 7800_4.25x6_2.pdf. Do not include the bleed size in the file name, just the actual size after trimming.
• Catalog size and orientation:
Files may only be ¼” larger in width and height than your desired trim size. Here is an example: if you are interested in a 5.5”x8.5” catalog, the submitted size should be no larger than 5.75”x8.75”. For instance, submitting an 8.5”x11” sheet with a 5.75”x8.75” image is not acceptable. We may crop if for you; however, it may require a fee on top of disqualifying 5% of the web price.

We do not orientate customer's files. All files should be submitted head-to-head unless otherwise specified. Head-to-head means the front side and the back side are right side-up in relation to each other (this issue is most important with folding jobs).
• Multi-Page Documents:
Multi-Page Documents such as Catalogs and Booklets need to have their files set up individually for each page including bleeds. We can accept printer spreads and multipage PDF files but this will disqualify you for the 5% perfect file discount.

• Available Catalog Templates:
Full Page Catalog (Use this template for each page) = 8.5" x 11" (8.75" x 11.25" with bleed)


Important things to consider:
• Bleeds:

Although a cut margin is required, we recommend that all files should also include an 1/8" bleed. This makes your file's overall size 1/4" larger in width and height. Bleeds do not cost anything extra and insure a better quality product in regard to trimming.

1.) Make the overall size of your product 1/4" larger in width and height than the desired trim size. For example, a 4"x4" club flyer would be setup at 4.25"x4.25".

2.) Pull all background colors or graphics to the very edge in order to create a full bleed. If your background is white or you intend on having a white border, proceed to step 3.

3.) Pull all text and graphics that you do not want purposely cut off 1/4" away from all edges. This creates an 1/8" cut margin and further protects the text during the trimming process.

For a visual guide on bleeds click here.
• Typographical Errors:
All files should be double-checked for spelling and layout.
• Matte Stock:
Ordering on matte stock may increase turnaround time due to the extra drying time for the ink on this stock.

• Vector Applications:
Designers using Adobe Illustrator or Macromedia Freehand refer to FAQ for special instructions on how to set your files up.
• CMYK Values for Rich Black Tones:
Designers should adhere to the following true CMYK values to get deep, rich black tones when printing with NitroPrint.com:
 
Cyan: 65%
Magenta: 50%
Yellow: 45%
Black: 100%

It is important to note if you build your black as a single value (ie. C:0%, M:0%, Y:0%, K:100%) then there will be a greater chance of incomplete ink saturation.
• Proofs:
Regarding proofs it's good to understand the limitations of each option:
 
Email Proofs do not cost anything and can show generally that a file has been received correctly but can not be used for color accuracy.

Hardcopy Proofs incur an additional expense ($50 plus shipping) and are better used for color issues. It is important to note color on a hardcopy proof will be 90% accurate to the final product. We can not color match a furnished color laser proof.

Any proofing request will affect turnaround time.